Saturday, 21 December 2013

It's our last day in the shop today before the big day, and my last blog post for 2013. I'm looking forward to some much needed R&R over the holidays!We reopen at 10.00am on Saturday, 4th January, and rest assured I'll be back online with my daily updates in the New Year. In the meantime, do keep in touch via Twitter!Thank you very much for all your kind support during 2013, and I look forward to seeing you next year. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Friday, 20 December 2013

...well, around the neck to be more precise. You may have noticed that delicate silver chains are my current jewellery obsession, and as I like to wear several at a time, I'm constantly on the look out for new styles to add to my collection.But tracking down unique designs that don't cost the earth isn't easy. So I was delighted to discover this gorgeous silver 'stars' necklace by Bird whilst doing a spot of shopping in Brighton recently...

Bird

Bird jewellery is the creation of London based designer Trisha Hope, and it's stocked at Tribeca, an independent boutique on Bond Street, just off The Lanes.This lovely little store also carries clothing and accessories by some of my favourite designers, including Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno. So, needless to say, the necklace wasn't all that I left with that day. Oops...

Thursday, 19 December 2013

There's a knack to making even the most affordable buy look expensive. Last weekend's Sunday Times Style Magazine featured a handy guide by fashion writer Laura Weir on making the thrifty look nifty, and I thought I'd share her top tips with you...

Match CarefullyWearing matching prints is a big trend, but beware of print matching woes. Does the print on your top and bottom half line up? Avoid this high street hazard by scouring the rails for the perfect matching set. Do your own TailoringLet's face it, no one is truly a standard size. And it can cost as little as £10 for a nip and tuck to make that high street jacket look as sharp as a Balmain!Minimal ShopAccessories are hard to make look good on the cheap. The solution? Avoid fuss and frills and keep your choices basic. Fake the SparkleGobstopper sized fakes appear ridiculous. But a delicate cluster of small stones in a fine romanic setting always look great.Go for Coloured FurDyed faux fur is always the better buy for those looking for a luxe looking bargain. So invest in a cool fake in a pretty colour.

Source: 'Chic on the Cheap' - Laura Weir, The Sunday Times Style Magazine

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

This Isabel Marant 'Agosto' lurex striped top has just landed in store!Although first shown on the designer's spring/summer catwalk, its subtle shimmer and sheer finish also make it the perfect evening addition to a winter wardrobe.

Monday, 16 December 2013

Our last day of trading this year will be Saturday, 21st December, when we'll be open from 10.00am to 5.00pm as usual. So make sure you pop in this week and pick up those last minute presents!

The shop will then be closed until after the New Year, and we'll reopen at 10.00am on Saturday, 4th January 2014.If you have items for sale with us, we'll extend your tickets to cover the period of the closure.And if you have unsold items to pick up, the deadline for collection will also be similarly extended.Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Sunday, 15 December 2013

This image from Zadig & Voltaire's summer campaign shows just how versatile a bit of sparkle can be.The silver sequinned waistcoat pairs perfectly with a t-shirt and jeans for day. But equally, would look stunning after dark slipped under a black tuxedo jacket.And we have the very same waistcoat in store!

Thursday, 12 December 2013

This beautiful black leather Balenciaga bag has just arrived in store!The top handled 'Arena City' also has a detachable shoulder strap, and this coveted collectable comes with its original dust bag.Inside, it has a zipped pocket as well as a leather bound detachable travel mirror, and a sterling silver Balenciaga embossed plaque. Snap it up while stock lasts!

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

When LA based designer Hedi Slimane sent his 'Seattle Grunge' inspired collection down the Saint Laurent catwalk, he ruffled more that a few fashion feathers to put it mildly!But whether you share the dismay of 'those in the know' or not, there's no denying the success of his clothes commercially. The plaid pieces have sparked many a high street copy, and I snapped up this Mango shirt myself!

Here in the shop we're celebrating all things checked too, with the arrival of this super cool Étoile Isabel Marant top...

Étoile Isabel Marant

Size: 8 / Price: £75.00

To register your interest in this item simply click here and we'll keep you updated regarding its availability.

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

Whether you're off to colder climes this winter or simply want to wrap up against the Great British weather, this iconic Moncler coat is a must have! New in store, and with its authenticity tag still attached, it won't be around for long!

Size: 12-14 / Price: £650.00

To register your interest in this item simply click here and we'll keep you updated regarding its availability.

Monday, 9 December 2013

If, like me, you've been consumed with thoughts of Christmas shopping, have you had a chance to think about what you'd like Santa to bring you this year? After the fun and festivities are over, why not indulge in some much needed me time? The start of a New Year is the perfect time to take stock style wise. And whether you're looking for a new image or simply some fresh inspiration, a tailor made styling session will put a spring in your step! Signature gift vouchers are available to purchase here at the shop, so why not drop a subtle hint to your nearest and dearest and let us do the rest!

Simply pop in and see me at the shop, or click here for my contact details.

Sunday, 8 December 2013

No seasonal soirée is complete without a dose of haute holiday sheen. So says thefashionspot.com's Megan Correla. However, adding a bit of shimmer to your look doesn't necessarily mean outshining the Christmas tree! As many of you will know, I'm a fan of a bit of sparkle myself, and you'll often see me sporting the odd sequin or two. But I do like to mix this molton look with the unexpected, such as a pair of distressed jeans or a fluffy knit. I love to play with contrasts. If you still need some convincing, these images from the autumn/winter catwalks also show that it isn't all about the bling, so why not take the plunge? It's Christmas after all. What better time to shine!

Saturday, 7 December 2013

You may have noticed that over the past few seasons, towering heels have gradually been replaced by flats. At fashion week in September, loafers, slippers, brogues and pumps were worn by fashion editors, celebrities and buyers alike.And flat no longer equals boring, or boyish. The 'new' flats are something special. Here's your guide to the new ground rules, courtesy of Elle Magazine...

You can wear flats with a skirt.Ankle socks inject playfulness into the look.The ankle needs to be seen, so make sure your trouser is just short of full-length.Team brogues with a knee length skirt.You can go bare legged with a flat.

Friday, 6 December 2013

"Throwing off its once dowdy reputation in dramatic fashion, the midi length is key for AW13 and beyond..." Camille Charrière, matchesfashion.com Designers are never known to shy away from those trends that many of us mere mortals find oh so tricky to wear, and the 'new longer length' skirt is this season's case in point.However, help is at hand! In matchesfashion.com's Style Report, Camille Charrière talks us through how to work fashion's new hemline. Lady Like Leather

Pair a full shaped, butter soft leather skirt with a cosy knit and pretty pumps, and tuck an oversized clutch under your arm for chic yet nonchalant style.

Modern Monochrome

A tailored skirt with fishtail hem is a grown-up way to work the midi. Add a crisp white or black shirt, a cropped jacket and sculptural ankle boots to create a modern silhouette.

Pretty Woman

Channel the romantic aesthetic of the 1950s in an utterly feminine, calf-skimming style. Trophy heels and maximalist chandelier earrings complete the look, while a pared-down top makes it effortless yet pulled together.

Wednesday, 4 December 2013

Tomorrow, Tunbridge Wells High Street kicks of the festive season with a late night shopping soirée!We'll be joining over 50 shops taking part in the event in support of the Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, so pop in and see us!And simply mention this blog to receive a special 10% Discount on all purchases made at Past & Precious on the night*We'll be open until 9pm.Happy Shopping!

*The 10% discount will be applied to all purchases made between 5.00pm and 9.00pm on Thursday, 5th December, 2013, with the exception of items already reduced, Total Wardrobe Care products and Say It Art Work cards. The reduction in price will be bourne entirely by Past & Precious and will not affect the amounts that have been agreed will be paid to the owners of items sold.

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

How to dress for the party season and not look like everyone else? Why not take the advice of Anne-Marie Curtis, Elle Magazine's Fashion Director...

"Don't play it safe this season, drop your trusty black number and try on one of these for size"

Jump to ItThe jump suit is the ultimate in all-in-one dressing. Enough said. Available everywhere this season from Christopher Kane to Topshop. A Suitable GirlTrousers suits are a huge trend, and a coloured suit feels more decadent and playful than black. Skirting the IssueA full skirt teamed with flats - thoroughly modern and easy to dance in too! White NightsWearing white as an evening option isn't a new idea, but it feels fresh. Team with a metallic platform for a nod to Studio 54 glam.It's all NavySwap your LBD for something in this hue. And why not try a cocktail dress over trousers? Just add some silver shoes.Source: 'Everything but the LBD' - Elle Magazine, December 2013